Rating: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.00

 

Thanarat Camp is a large military camp of the Royal Thai Army located in Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Covering an area of more than 50,000 rai, it is regarded as one of the largest military camps in Thailand. The camp is situated along Phet Kasem Road, a major transportation route linking Bangkok with southern Thailand, making Thanarat Camp conveniently accessible from many provinces. From Bangkok, the distance is approximately 237 kilometers. Visitors can travel by car via the Thonburi – Pak Tho route before continuing along Phet Kasem Road toward Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

Although Thanarat Camp primarily serves as a military base for the Royal Thai Army, many parts of the camp are open to the public, especially historically significant sites and natural attractions of great beauty. This makes the camp not only a military area, but also an important learning destination for history, military heritage, and nature in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Visitors can experience the stories of important figures in Thai history along with a variety of outdoor activities and adventure tourism options.

 

The camp is named in honor of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, an important figure in Thai political and military history. Field Marshal Sarit played a major role in Thailand’s development during the mid-20th century in terms of national administration, infrastructure development, and military stability. His name was therefore chosen for this military camp as a memorial and as a tribute to his contributions to the nation.

 

The landscape within Thanarat Camp is diverse, consisting of natural forests, grasslands, and areas adjoining the Pran Buri River, creating a rich ecosystem. The camp also contains several important attractions that visitors can explore, such as the Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Memorial, the Infantry Museum, and Tha Sadet, a relaxing riverside destination along the Pran Buri River known for its peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

 

One of the key landmarks within the camp is the Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Memorial, which was established to preserve information about the life and achievements of Field Marshal Sarit. Inside the building, visitors can see exhibits on his biography, uniforms, personal belongings, and royal decorations from both Thailand and abroad. These items serve as valuable evidence reflecting the role and distinguished legacy of this important historical figure. Visitors to the memorial can learn about Thailand’s history through exhibitions that are systematically arranged.

 

Another place of great interest is the Infantry Museum, which displays weapons, military equipment, and artifacts from different periods. The museum features antique weapons, firearms, military uniforms, and equipment once used in past battlefields. These displays help visitors understand the evolution of Thai military weapons and tactics in each era. The museum is open daily from 08.30 to 16.00.

 

In addition to its historical attractions, the camp also features a highly popular natural recreation area known as Tha Sadet. Located on the western side of the camp along the Pran Buri River, it lies about 12 kilometers from Phet Kasem Road. This area serves as a relaxing retreat with beautiful scenery, surrounded by nature, flower gardens, ornamental plants, and even literary plants mentioned in Thai literature. As a result, the site offers both natural beauty and cultural value.

 

Tourism activities within Thanarat Camp are varied, especially outdoor adventure activities that are popular with visitors and group travelers. These include rafting on the Pran Buri River, paintball, artificial cliff climbing, and tower jumping. There are also nature study walks, camping, and confidence-testing stations designed to strengthen both physical endurance and mental resilience.

 

For golf enthusiasts, the camp also offers an international-standard golf course with 18 holes and 72 par, set amid peaceful natural surroundings. The course has been designed to harmonize with the surrounding terrain, allowing players to enjoy golf in a scenic and tranquil environment.

 

With its wide variety of attractions and activities, Thanarat Camp has been recognized as one of the important tourist destinations in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. In 2002, Thanarat Camp received the Thailand Tourism Industry Award in the category of tourism promotion and development organization. This award reflects the area’s readiness to welcome visitors as well as its effective management.

 

Getting There is convenient via Phet Kasem Road, the main highway connecting Bangkok with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Visitors traveling from Bangkok can take the Thonburi – Pak Tho route before entering Phet Kasem Road and continuing toward Pran Buri District. The total distance is approximately 237 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 3 – 4 hours. Roads within the camp also connect conveniently to the various attractions, making it easy for visitors to travel around the area.

 

 

A: Thanarat Camp is located in Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, along Phet Kasem Road, approximately 237 kilometers from Bangkok.

 

A: The camp features several important attractions, including the Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Memorial, the Infantry Museum, Tha Sadet on the Pran Buri River, and a variety of outdoor adventure activities.

 

A: Visitors can enter certain areas of the camp that are open to the public, provided they follow the regulations of the military camp.

 

A: The Infantry Museum is open from 08.30 – 16.00.

 

A: The journey takes approximately 3 – 4 hours, covering a distance of about 237 kilometers via Thonburi, Pak Tho, and Phet Kasem Road.